Key facts
- Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran's attendance at the UN General Assembly is a right, not a favor from the US.
- Baghaei accused the US of using propaganda and visa issues to hinder the Iranian delegation's participation.
- Baghaei confirmed that Iran is not currently involved in any negotiations with the United States.
- Iran's diplomatic focus is on bilateral engagement with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, asserted that the country's participation in the UN General Assembly is a legal right and not a privilege granted by the United States. Speaking on a televised program, Baghaei described the UN meeting as a "trench that must not be abandoned," emphasizing Iran's duty as a founding member state to voice the rights of its people on the international stage. He alleged that the US employed various tactics, including negative remarks, media campaigns, and visa processing delays, to prevent the Iranian delegation from attending. Baghaei also clarified that Iran is not currently engaged in any direct or indirect negotiations with the US, with its current diplomatic efforts focused on bilateral discussions with Oman concerning safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.